The weekly sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1886-1887, 1887-03-03
MR.. II. Il. BRIDGERS.
His Career from Early Boyhood-WIrat
he has Accomplished in Politics, Law
and s "a Raj

His Career. from Early Boyhood-what
he has Accomplished in Politics, Law
and as a Railroad President.
Dorsey Battte IN Wilson A doance.
An ancient, alleged, wise man has
said he cared not who wrote the histo-
ry, so he made the songs of the ma
ton.
This writer prefers to humor the
man who makes the history This is
suggested by seeing a handsome and
faithful cut of Hon r. r. Bridgers,
President OF the " & w. and ". c.
& Augusta railroad companies, on the
the first page of the Way Bin, a
journal of transportation. for October,
1886, published in New York City. 1t
is accompanied with a most deserved
ly complimentary sketch OF his life
and public acts.
The people Of Edgecombe and Will
son commission they were one at
the time of his birth and up to his
early manhood-teel proud Of the rec
ord of their highly honored son. For
his life record is one in which any man
or any people may feel glowing
pride.
On the 28th of November, 1919, in
Edgecombe county. Robert Rufus
Bridgers was born. AS a boy he was
faithful and dilligent in his studies,
bright and we'll behaved. But during
his boybood and manhood to the time
| Of her demise, his most charming char
acteristic was his great devotion to
his mother. This writer is informed
that, even at that early period of his
| life, it was predicted that such pa
rental devotion foretold future of
glorious usefulness. A dutiful obedi-
ent son is the beginning of great
man. He emerged an alumnus from
the University of North Carolina, in
the class OF 1871, being graduated
with first honors. During that year he
was licensed to practice law. In 1914
he served in the lower house Of the
legislature youngest member in
the body-and was a conspicuous
member Of the Judiciary committee.
AT this time his legal talent had been
recognized and he enjoyed lucretive
practice.
Abandoning politics and devoting
himself to the law he soon became
leader of his circuit. He was also ex-
tensively engaged in planting and
eventually became the largest cotton
producer in the State.
He was rendered the office Of Attor-
ney General and Judgeship of the cir
cult court, both of which he declined
He was president of the bank in Tar
boro. From 1857 to 1861 he was the
leader of his party in the Legisia
| ture
Mr.. Bridgers represented his district
IN the Confederate Congress during
the entire war In this capacity he
rendered most efficient aid to hundreds.
of his constituents This he did glad
ly, without stint Indeed, he was
never happier than when using his
great influence to help "tar-heel )"
soldier.
The chief glory in the life of Mr.
Bridgers, however, is the splendid
achievement of rescuing the Whining
ton q Weldon Railroad from the ruin
wrought by the war. Elected its
President Immediately y after the close
of the war, he first saved the road from
? foreclosure and then commenced that
upbuilding of his road which makes it
to-day one of the finest pieces of rail-
road property in the United States.
; His great merit has been rewarded
with eighteen consecutive unanimous
elections as President of the w. & w.
Railroad.
The Way Bill" says: "Amcng
the Presidents of the roads in the
United States, there are few, if any,
who can claim as long continuous SER
vice in such office as President Bridg-
ers"
The press of the country cannot do
better than to keep the illustrious ex-
ample of so faithful public servant
before the youth of the State for emu.
lation. Sturdy, sterling, faithful,
conscientious and pains-taking in
every enterprise or endeavor in which
he engaged his success is only the
reasonable reward of true merit.
Shows the Caiibre of the Man.